okay--a good friend recommended a place that sells overstock eyeglass frames (I always get things from overstock places!) for a much reduced price, as well as a very reasonable and high-tech eye exam. Looks like I can easily get this done with what I have set aside. They're not seconds, and it's not a second-quality exam. This looks quite do-able--and about 5 minutes from home.
M60 H52 D20 M14 yrs OW-old gf from 1986 bomb-5/18/08 H filed for D-9/10/08 D final 4/24/09 xH remarried (not OW) 2012
